Dear 1L: Cover Memo Tip for 1L Writing Samples

Dear 1L, One job I do is reviewing writing samples for lawyers and law students who are applying to legal jobs. Here’s a strong suggestion:

Include a short cover memo with your writing sample—even if an employer doesn’t require one.

Why?

Because a cover memo is a golden opportunity to set the stage, provide context, get off on a good foot, and begin the process of “making friends with” your Reader.

When compiling your cover memo, follow this 4-point guide:

🔷 Aim to answer two questions.

▪️ What does my Reader need to know before starting my brief?

-and-

▪️ How can I interest my Reader to be enthusiastic about my brief?

Your cover memo should remove all potential confusion and frustration that your Reader could feel when starting in on page 1 of the brief itself. (Same goes for memos, law review articles, and other forms of legal writing samples.)

🔷 Include these items:

1: An explanation of when and for what purpose you wrote the sample.

2: A brief description of the topic about which you wrote, if necessary or helpful for the Reader’s orientation.

3: An introduction to the parties, claims, and which side you represented, IF those facts are not clear from the first paragraph of your sample (such as when you use an excerpt).

4: A statement that you have received permission to use the sample (if required).

5: An Assertion that the sample is substantially your own work (if required).

6: An indication that the sample is a shorter excerpt from a longer piece (if applicable).

🔷 Use the same text at the top of both your resume & cover memo (name, contact info, etc.).

—Match them in style & form so one doesn’t fall through the cracks.

—All materials in the job-application packet should look like they belong together.

🔷 Always strive for clarity & brevity. After that, strive for some originality.

Cover memos can become bland and boiler-plate if you don’t give them due thought and care. Experiment with varying your sentence structure, word choices, and style to capture and build your Reader’s attention.

It can be easier to do a superior writing job within a short cover memo than it can be within the first paragraph of a formal memo or brief—especially when you’re new to legal writing.

You want your captivating style to be the first thing your Reader / prospective employer sees of your writing.

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Recap: Your goal is to get the Reader to read & enjoy your writing sample.
Don’t miss out on the chance to achieve that goal in a cover memo.

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📫 What legal-writing or job-search tasks are you struggling with this month? I’ll try to write a letter to help.

Fondly,
💌 Amanda